Glastonbury Festival 2008. The best this decade?

The days after the weekend before, it now seems ridiculous that anyone could question the merits of Glastonbury. Despite
murmurings of the world famous festival losing its edge, as the choice of Jay-Z and the rest of the line up was continually
put under the microscope, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a single person at Worthy Farm who didn’t have the time
of their lives.

More people than ever – around 85,000 - got on site early on the Wednesday to enjoy the same
summery weather which has so often proved a precursor to rain and flooding in the days ahead. And while a four hour downpour
on Thursday night had everyone fearing a repeat of the last three events which have all been dogged by wet weather, it wasn’t
to be.

Instead, the best weather since 2003 and an atmosphere to rival even the pre-fence years made for one of
the best Glastonbury Festivals in a decade. The choice of Jay Z proved an inspired one, as did fellow headliner Kings Of Leon
and The Verve, all three looking awestruck by the reception they received and the historic stage they had the honour to be
on. It was clear this wasn’t any old festival - just ask Neil Diamond who looked as if he might break down in tears
any moment, so overcome was he by the sea of flags and revellers before him.

As well as hosting the legends, Glastonbury
has long been renowned for breaking new talent and this year was no exception. Noah And The Whale, Florence And The Machine
and Beggars were just a few of the highlights, with new music seekers flocking to the John Peel tent, Queen’s Head and
The Park, the latter proving a great addition to the festival after its mud-splattered debut last year. Battles played a blinding
set on the Saturday night, while Tunng, Laura Marling and CSS guaranteed their invite back some time soon.

Shangri
La celebrated its first year and proved an easy equal to its predecessor, from its tongue in cheek Amsterdam window strippers
to the busy Tilted Disco. What's more, with the Glasto ground drying out from Saturday there was no excuse not to make
the 15 minute walk up from the centre of the site.

What stood out most, though, was the return of the atmosphere
which has so characterised Glastonbury over its 30-odd years. It's become a clique to say it but people really do make
the festival, and they were happy again, silly again, and generally up for it for the whole weekend. So Glastonbury's
back, the world is a better place again and it's now just under 12 months until the next one. Let's hope it lives
up to 2008, one of the best Glastonbury Festivals in a decade....